Days with the Dorans

This week was intense for many reasons. Al danced from 9-6 then M-W went to friends to work on student choreography until 7:30 or 8ish and then sometimes came home and danced more! On Thursday she danced 9-6 and had a little show at 6:15. We got home after 8 and on Friday she had auditions. She was bumped up from her last year's auditions which meant learning a lot more choreography and I have no idea how she kept it all straight but she did. HERE is a video of the combos she learned and we all agree Ali is NOT a hip hop dancer! In the end we let her be cast in four numbers. She got a jazz, tap, small group tap and lyrical. She was also cast in only one understudy this year (yeah! I actually wrote that on her sheet) which was an "Open" which I think will be neat. She has some funny stories from the week which will go down in history but not meant for the blog.  See... I am not a TOTALLY open book (but pretty close I know...)

The boys were so excited when Grandma called to invite them up for some water park fun! She had the Gillespie boys all week and even some of the Doran cousins were able to make it too (I think everyone but Abby)! Al had dance all week so the two of us weren't able to go. I told Jeff to take some pictures and this was all I got. He said he was too busy chasing down Sean to take any pics but I think he also was having his share of fun (Can you blame him?)! The boys went down the "Drop Slide" and had a blast. I'm sure the next time we're there, Al and I (and MY camera) will be there too! Poor Jeffy~ didn't get any pics of the Gillespie boys, or Grandma or Marys little baby bump! Next time, Laura... Next time...

I don't think I've sugar coated it here but my Nana (Great Nan) hasn't been well. Well~ I guess physically she's OK, but dementia has been awful and painful. I used to go over to see her regularly- once a week if not more but lately going over there hurts me so much that I've been avoiding it.  My mom was out at a golfing trip and I needed to get something for my Nan. She told me to go ahead and just put it up in her apartment~ no need to stop and visit (she knows how hard it is. I know it's hard for her too).  As I went to drop off the things, I saw my Nan sleeping in a chair and hurried upstairs to drop off the  items she needed. On my way back though, I slowed. There was the woman that I (quite literally) open my window for each night and pray that in her dreams she remembers. That she's happy. I couldn't just go~ so I went in and sat next to her. I grabbed her hand and said hello and she said hello too. She looked at me and smiled an...

While Al was at dance, Nana had the Drapal kids and they wanted to go to the movies and invited us out. The only problem was that the movie Maddy & Nana wanted to watch (Despicable Me 3) we had already seen... So we all went to the movies but I took these three boys to see Cars 3 (at least I think it was the third one) while the girls went and saw their movie. We of course sat in the reclining seats again. I loved the ending to Cars 3~ I'm not quite sure about the middle because... well... I told you those seats were comfy... Zzzzzzzzz...

I had to snap this picture just because I love how though we were all reading our own books we had to be together. On a side note, this has been a big summer for Sean. As he proudly reminded me, "This has been a big summer for me. I make my own breakfast and lunch, read chapter books and shower all by myself." And he's right... he read me his first chapter book, makes a mean PB & J and as for the shower... well... he's still working on washing/rinsing that hair but we're close!!

So I'm a member of a soccer family and while I've watched many hours of my favorite players (the Doran Kids), I still don't really understand as much as I probably should. Roma Italy and Paris were playing a game at the CoPa and Jeff got tickets way back in the winter. Of course the middles wanted to come too. Al has probably been the most successful at trying to teach me the game she loves but I'm still a bit lost (By the way, like how we both had pigs and D hats? Not planned!). We got down to the D a little early and met up with Kyle and Jodie for a drink at Coach's Corner and then got to see Christie and the boys for a bit before heading to the stadium. It was packed! We sat near center field and our tickets weren't cheap. The crowd was so into the game and while Jeff said it really wasn't an important game it appears the states are warming up to European football. I had a great time though I still prefer my favorite players!

What can I say about summers with Marty? Each morning we start our day walking 3-4 miles and then (many days) we head to the lake which is his FAVORITE place to be (especially when his cuz is there). We can't complain. The boy loves to swim and retrieve and he'll just go out and swim around where the kids are. I couldn't ask for a better pup when it comes to summer days! He jumped on to try to catch a ride with the boys! We're working on jumping off the dock... All that play can make you dog tired!!

These teacher friends and I had a nice summer date on the deck. In addition to the "Cap Club" Grazia (who was one of my maternity subs once upon a time- turned teacher) and Nicole (who also subbed for me a lot before getting her job in WL and also happened to marry one of my friends) joined us. I'm bummed we didn't get Grazia in before she left. She brought her 3 adorable kiddos and her daughter LOVED Ali. Ali was so good playing with her and when it was time for her to go, she wouldn't let Ali go and cried and cried. It was adorable (is it mean to say that crying is adorable?). I am glad to have these people in my life.

So Joe and Al had both been to the nearby wave pool, but I had not. When some dance moms suggested we make a date at the Wave Pool, I was excited. It was neat and there were three main areas... The Giant Slide An area more for Littles but OK for all The Wave Pool Area The girls (and I'd say Z too) spent most of their time between the slide and the Wave Pool. Sean on the other hand flew between the smaller pool and the big Wave Pool.  It was fun. I don't think he stopped for longer than it took to inhale a quick piece of pizza. He did go down the big slide once and gave it a thumbs up (while running to the next place)!  We spent a good portion of the day there and part of me wished I had my suit on- but I enjoyed hanging with the moms. I love how Al has different friends from her different walks of life. It's fun to think these girls have been friends for 8 years. Ali & Am

Long games of Axis and Allies with they boys Although most of our summer days are spent outside (as I type this my boys are busy playing "Infection" and running around the yard) here are just some random indoor activities that have made this summer a fun one... Sean has a friend over and they enjoyed playing Skylanders Al watched some baking videos and whipped us up some yummy cookies Playing Clue on the Deck Movies with friends  +  Reclining Seats= Mom Nap

Sometime I come up upon the sweetest of moments. I noticed Joe teaching Sean some piano. I got some video HERE but also these precious pictures. I'm a lucky girl to have such sweet kids. I really don't take that for granted. I am very much, blessed!

 We are so lucky to be able to spend our days on the lake! I usually forget to take pictures just because I'm busy enjoying our days. Papa will always say to the us (kids included), "Who has it better than us?" The answer is always the same, "Nobody!"  My folks had Danny's in-laws over and they invited us too. I think mostly for Gordie to have Marty with him. He's much better when Marty is around and tends to stay in the yard. This was also the first boat ride of the season for us on the lake. Clearly I need to get out more. I'm just so comfy watching the kids swim from my comfy swing in the shade (or floating in the lake with my drink). We had an enjoyable day with everyone and when we got back, we had a yummy dinner and then the kids had a yummy sundae bar for dessert. I'm proud to say that I passed it up. Trying to get myself in good health again.